AQA · GCSE

Your journey to excellence inReligious Studies B

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GCSE Religious Studies B lets you explore Catholic Christianity in depth, alongside Islam or Judaism, and ethical or scriptural themes. You'll study beliefs, teachings, practices, and sources of authority, and analyse how religion influences individuals, communities, and societies.

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Start with the first Religious Studies B lesson.

Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam

Creation and Catholic Beliefs

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Catholic Beliefs in Creation of Adam

Creation and Catholic Beliefs

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Contrasting Artistic Expressions of Creation

Creation and Catholic Beliefs

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God as Creator in Genesis 1

Creation and Catholic Beliefs

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God as Creator in Genesis 2

Creation and Catholic Beliefs

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God as Transcendent and Omnipotent

Creation and Catholic Beliefs

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1Michelangelo’s Creation of AdamRead next2Catholic Beliefs in Creation of AdamRead next3Contrasting Artistic Expressions of CreationRead next4God as Creator in Genesis 1Read next5God as Creator in Genesis 2Read next6God as Transcendent and OmnipotentRead next7Significance of God as Creator for CatholicsRead next8Humans Made in the Image of GodRead next9Free Will and the Image of GodRead next10Stewardship and the Image of GodRead next11Human Dignity and the Image of GodRead next12Sanctity of Life and the Image of GodRead next13The Origin and Structure of the BibleRead next14Literary Forms in the BibleRead next15Inspiration and the Bible as the Word of GodRead next16Literary Types in Genesis Creation AccountsRead next17Different Christian Views on Genesis AccountsRead next18Natural Law and the Goodness of CreationRead next19Natural Law and the Sanctity of LifeRead next20Science and Religion in Vatican IIRead next21Gaudium et Spes 36 on Science and ReligionRead next22Care for the Environment as Loving NeighboursRead next23The Meaning of StewardshipRead next24Local Stewardship PracticesRead next25National Stewardship PracticesRead next26Global Stewardship PracticesRead next27CAFOD’s Work on SustainabilityRead next28CAFOD and Beliefs About CreationRead next
1The Meaning of IncarnationRead next2Jesus as the Revelation of GodRead next3Jesus as Fully Human and Fully GodRead next4Scriptural Origins of IncarnationRead next5Jesus as Son of ManRead next6Jesus as Son of GodRead next7The Beatitudes as Moral TeachingRead next8Jesus' Teaching on Helping OthersRead next9Jesus as the Fulfilment of the LawRead next10Irenaeus on the Glory of GodRead next11Incarnation in Dei Verbum and Verbum DominiRead next12The Sacramental Nature of RealityRead next13Grace and Its SignificanceRead next14The Seven SacramentsRead next15Effects of Sacraments on LifeRead next16Imago Dei and the UnbornRead next17The Ichthus SymbolRead next18The Alpha and Omega SymbolRead next19The Chi-Rho SymbolRead next20Religious Art and the IncarnationRead next21Christian Views on Religious ImageryRead next22A Sculpture of Jesus and Its MeaningRead next23Different Christian Views on Jesus' ImagesRead next24Jesus' Example as Moral AuthorityRead next25The Importance of Statues of JesusRead next
1The Glory of God in CatholicismRead next2Understanding the Mystery of the TrinityRead next3The Role of Music in WorshipRead next4Psalms in Catholic WorshipRead next5Plainchant and Its Use in LiturgyRead next6Traditional Hymns in WorshipRead next7Contemporary Worship Songs in CatholicismRead next8Significance of Mass SettingsRead next9The Gloria in Eucharistic AcclamationsRead next10The Alleluia in WorshipRead next11The Sanctus and Its MeaningRead next12The Mystery of Faith AcclamationRead next13The Nicene Creed and the TrinityRead next14Scriptural Origins of the TrinityRead next15Deuteronomy 6:4 and the Oneness of GodRead next16Matthew 3:16–17 and the TrinityRead next17Galatians 4:6 and the Holy SpiritRead next18The Trinity in Genesis 1:1–3Read next19Impact of the Trinity on Catholic LifeRead next20Mission and Evangelism as Spirit-LedRead next21Benedict XVI’s Deus Caritas Est 19Read next22Mark 1:9–11 and the TrinityRead next23Galatians 4:6–7 and Divine AdoptionRead next24St Augustine on God’s LoveRead next25Catherine LaCugna on God’s LoveRead next26Comparing Augustine and LaCugna’s ViewsRead next27Magisterial Authority and the TrinityRead next28Council of Nicaea (AD 325)Read next29Council of Constantinople (AD 381)Read next30Baptism as Initiation into the TrinityRead next31The Role of the Father, Son, and Spirit in BaptismRead next32Prayer as Raising the Heart and MindRead next33Traditional Prayers in Catholic WorshipRead next34Spontaneous Prayers in Catholic WorshipRead next35Posture in Christian PrayerRead next36Linking Prayer and Posture in WorshipRead next
1The Paschal Mystery in Catholic TheologyRead next2The Paschal Mystery in Catholic WorshipRead next3The Church as the Body of ChristRead next4The Church as the People of GodRead next5Metaphors for Salvation in CatholicismRead next6Church Architecture and SalvationRead next7Church Decoration and SalvationRead next8The Lectern and the Mystery of RedemptionRead next9The Altar and the Mystery of RedemptionRead next10The Crucifix and the Mystery of RedemptionRead next11The Tabernacle and the Mystery of RedemptionRead next12Contrasting Church ArchitectureRead next13Contrasting Church ArtefactsRead next14The Death of Jesus as Restoration Through SacrificeRead next15The Resurrection as Restoration Through RecreationRead next16The Ascension as Restoration of Cosmic OrderRead next17Significance of the Death of JesusRead next18Significance of the ResurrectionRead next19Significance of the AscensionRead next20Contrasting Christian Views on SalvationRead next21Grace and Its Role in SalvationRead next22The Story of Redemption and Catholic LiturgyRead next23Redemption Themes in Mark 15:21–39Read next24Redemption Themes in John 20:1–18Read next25Redemption Themes in Acts 1:6–11Read next26Redemption Themes in Acts 2:1–4Read next27Irenaeus' Metaphors for SalvationRead next28Anselm's Metaphors for SalvationRead next29Comparing Irenaeus and Anselm on SalvationRead next30Conscience as the Voice of GodRead next31Conscience as a Guide for the RedeemedRead next32Gaudium et Spes 16 on ConscienceRead next33The Catechism on ConscienceRead next34Different Christian Views on ConscienceRead next35The Value of Conscience as a GuideRead next36The Mass as the Source and Summit of Christian LifeRead next37The Eucharist in CatholicismRead next38The Eucharist in Other Christian DenominationsRead next39The Words of Institution in the EucharistRead next40The Agnus Dei in the EucharistRead next41The Real Presence in the EucharistRead next42The Sacrifice of the MassRead next43Eucharistic Adoration and the Real PresenceRead next
1Dramatised Prayer and the Stations of the CrossRead next2Pilgrimage to JerusalemRead next3Pilgrimage to RomeRead next4Pilgrimage to WalsinghamRead next5Pilgrimage to LourdesRead next6Mission and Evangelism in DramaRead next7The Lord's Prayer and the Kingdom of GodRead next8Justice as a Sign of the KingdomRead next9Peace as a Sign of the KingdomRead next10Reconciliation as a Sign of the KingdomRead next11The Second Vatican Council: Historical OverviewRead next12Themes of the Second Vatican Council DocumentsRead next13Mary as a Model of DiscipleshipRead next14The Magnificat as a Kingdom PrayerRead next15The Four Marks of the ChurchRead next16Apostolic Succession and the MagisteriumRead next17The Conciliar Nature of the MagisteriumRead next18The Pontifical Nature of the MagisteriumRead next19Catholic Social Teaching in Gaudium et SpesRead next20Catholic Social Teaching in Evangelii GaudiumRead next21Loving Neighbours Through Catholic AgenciesRead next22Local Catholic Agency in ActionRead next23National and Global Catholic Agency in ActionRead next24Kingdom Values and Catholic VocationsRead next25Kingdom Values in PriesthoodRead next26Kingdom Values in Family LifeRead next27Kingdom Values in Religious LifeRead next28Kingdom Values in Community LifeRead next29Justice, Peace, and Reconciliation in a Catholic FigureRead next
1The Paschal Candle and ResurrectionRead next2Michelangelo’s The Last JudgementRead next3Tombstones and Christian BeliefsRead next4Monuments and Life After DeathRead next5Remembrance Gardens and EschatologyRead next6Catholic Beliefs on ResurrectionRead next7Resurrection of Jesus in 1 CorinthiansRead next8Death as a Last ThingRead next9Judgement as a Last ThingRead next10Heaven as a Last ThingRead next11Hell as a Last ThingRead next12Purgatory in Catholic BeliefRead next13Particular Judgement vs Final JudgementRead next14Christian Views on Life After DeathRead next15The Rich Man and LazarusRead next16Cosmic Reconciliation in Julian of NorwichRead next17Lumen Gentium 48 on EschatologyRead next18Catechism 1037 on EschatologyRead next19The Last Rites and ReconciliationRead next20Healing and Hope in the Last RitesRead next21Funeral Rites and Catholic BeliefsRead next22Prayers in the Funeral RiteRead next23Actions in the Funeral RiteRead next24Sanctity of Life and Care for the DyingRead next25Sanctity of Life and EuthanasiaRead next
1Tawhid: The Oneness of GodRead next2The Nature of God in IslamRead next3Angels in IslamRead next4Predestination (Al-Qadr)Read next5Human Free Will in IslamRead next6Life After Death (Akhirah)Read next7Heaven and Hell in IslamRead next8Human Responsibility and AccountabilityRead next9The Role of Prophets (Risalah)Read next10Adam as a ProphetRead next11Ibrahim as a ProphetRead next12Muhammad as the Seal of the ProphetsRead next13The Qur'an: Revelation and AuthorityRead next14The Torah and Its Authority in IslamRead next15The Psalms and Their Authority in IslamRead next16The Gospel and Its Authority in IslamRead next17The Scrolls of Abraham in IslamRead next18The Imamate in Shi’a IslamRead next19The Five Pillars of Sunni IslamRead next20The Ten Obligatory Acts of Shi’a IslamRead next21Shahadah: Declaration of FaithRead next22Salah: Times and Directions of PrayerRead next23Salah: Ablution (Wudu) and MovementsRead next24Salah: Friday Prayer (Jummah)Read next25Differences in Sunni and Shi’a SalahRead next26Sawm: Fasting During RamadanRead next27The Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr)Read next28Zakah: Giving Alms in IslamRead next29Khums in Shi’a IslamRead next30Hajj: The Pilgrimage to MakkahRead next31Hajj: Key Actions and Their SignificanceRead next32Greater and Lesser JihadRead next33Conditions for Declaring Lesser JihadRead next34Id-ul-Adha: Origins and SignificanceRead next35Id-ul-Fitr: Origins and SignificanceRead next36Ashura in Shi’a IslamRead next37Monotheism in Christianity and IslamRead next38God as Creator in Christianity and IslamRead next39Jesus as Prophet in IslamRead next40Jesus as Son of God in ChristianityRead next41Divergent Views on Jesus in Islam and ChristianityRead next
1The Nature of Sexual Love in CatholicismRead next2Sexuality as Male and Female in the BibleRead next3Unitive and Procreative Aspects of SexRead next4John Paul II's Theology of the BodyRead next5Catholic Views on Sex Before MarriageRead next6Catholic Views on AdulteryRead next7Catholic Views on Same-Sex RelationshipsRead next8Non-Religious Views on Sexual RelationshipsRead next9Conditions for a Valid Catholic MarriageRead next10The Meaning of Catholic Marriage VowsRead next11Catholic Guidelines on AnnulmentRead next12Catholic Guidelines on Divorce and RemarriageRead next13Non-Religious Views on Marriage and CohabitationRead next14Same-Sex Marriage in Contemporary SocietyRead next15Ethical Arguments About DivorceRead next16The Sanctity of Marriage VowsRead next17Compassion in Divorce DecisionsRead next18The Purpose of the Family in CatholicismRead next19Procreation as a Purpose of FamilyRead next20Security and Education of ChildrenRead next21Roles of Men and Women in the FamilyRead next22Ephesians 5:21–6:4 on Family RolesRead next23The Dignity of Work Within the HomeRead next24Catholic Views on Family PlanningRead next25Artificial Contraception in Catholic TeachingRead next26Rights of Same-Sex Parents in Family LifeRead next27Rights of Single People to Have ChildrenRead next28Equality of Men and Women in the BibleRead next29Catholic Teaching on Gender EqualityRead next30Gender Prejudice and DiscriminationRead next31Examples of Gender DiscriminationRead next32Catholic Opposition to Gender DiscriminationRead next33Equality Means Treating Men and Women the Same?Read next34Non-Religious Views on Gender EqualityRead next
1Biblical Perspectives on ViolenceRead next2Violence as a Human ConditionRead next3Christian Teachings on BullyingRead next4The Concept of ForgivenessRead next5Jesus’ Teachings on ForgivenessRead next6The Concept of ReconciliationRead next7Jesus’ Teachings on ReconciliationRead next8John 14:27 on PeaceRead next9The Concept of Justice in ChristianityRead next10Justice and Human Dignity in CatholicismRead next11Righteous Anger and InjusticeRead next12Violent Protest and InjusticeRead next13Atheist and Humanist Views on JusticeRead next14The Just War TheoryRead next15Catechism 2309 on Just WarRead next16Catholic Views on Nuclear WarRead next17Weapons of Mass Destruction in CatholicismRead next18Civilian Casualties in Modern WarfareRead next19Refugees and Modern WarfareRead next20Environmental Damage from WarfareRead next21Nuclear Deterrence in CatholicismRead next22Non-Religious Views on Nuclear DeterrenceRead next23Religion as a Cause of WarRead next24The Idea of Holy WarRead next25Old Testament Views on WarRead next26Religion in 21st Century ConflictsRead next27Responses to Victims of WarRead next28Catholic Beliefs About PacifismRead next29Pacifism in Papal TeachingRead next30Christian Views on TerrorismRead next31Catholic Perspectives on TortureRead next32Radicalisation and Martyrdom in CatholicismRead next33Conflict Resolution in CatholicismRead next34Biblical Perspectives on PeacemakingRead next35Christian Organisations in PeacemakingRead next36Nonviolent Resistance in CatholicismRead next37Nonviolent Resistance Beyond CatholicismRead next
1Human Dignity in Biblical TeachingRead next2The Concept of Loving Your NeighbourRead next3Gaudium et Spes 26 on Human RightsRead next4Catholic Attitudes to Religious FreedomRead next5Christian and Secular Views on Human RightsRead next6Expressing Human Rights Through ActionRead next7Rights and Responsibilities in Catholic TeachingRead next8The Duty to Protect Others' RightsRead next9Catholic Views on Wealth and StewardshipRead next10Wealth Creation and ExploitationRead next11Human Trafficking in Catholic TeachingRead next12Catholic Attitudes to WealthRead next13The Wealth of the ChurchRead next14Greed and Materialism in SocietyRead next15Sacrificing Wealth for God's KingdomRead next16The Preferential Option for the PoorRead next17Christian Views on PovertyRead next18Giving Money to Those in PovertyRead next19CAFOD's Work Against PovertyRead next20Christian Aid's Work Against PovertyRead next21Responsibility for Helping the PoorRead next22Responsibilities of Those in PovertyRead next23Christian Teaching on Racial PrejudiceRead next24Discrimination and the Worth of the IndividualRead next25Christian Teaching on Equality and JusticeRead next26Prejudice and Discrimination in ReligionRead next27Gender and Sexuality in Catholic TeachingRead next28Ethical Arguments on Racial DiscriminationRead next29Positive Discrimination in SocietyRead next30Christian Promotion of Tolerance and EqualityRead next31Supporting Victims of Racial PrejudiceRead next
1The Significance of St Mark’s GospelRead next2Jesus’ Example for Atheists and HumanistsRead next3Diversity in Christian Interpretations of MarkRead next4Authority of St Mark’s GospelRead next5St Mark’s Gospel and Contemporary AuthorityRead next6Set Texts and Their ImportanceRead next7Christianity and Non-Religious Beliefs in BritainRead next8Relevance of Jesus’ Teachings TodayRead next9John’s Preparation for Jesus’ MinistryRead next10Jesus’ Baptism and TemptationRead next11Healing the Paralysed ManRead next12Raising Jairus’ DaughterRead next13The Rejection at NazarethRead next14The Feeding of the Five ThousandRead next15The Conversation at Caesarea PhilippiRead next16The Transfiguration of JesusRead next17Jesus’ First Passion PredictionRead next18The Request of James and JohnRead next19Healing BartimaeusRead next20The Entry into JerusalemRead next21The Last SupperRead next22Jesus in GethsemaneRead next23The Trial Before the Jewish AuthoritiesRead next24The Trial Before PilateRead next25The Crucifixion and BurialRead next26The Empty TombRead next27The Titles of Jesus in Mark’s GospelRead next28Jesus’ Titles and Their Relevance TodayRead next29Jesus as Teacher and Miracle WorkerRead next30Views on the Historicity of MiraclesRead next31Jesus’ Words and Actions at the Last SupperRead next32The Significance of Jesus’ DeathRead next33The Resurrection and the Empty TombRead next34Differing Views on Mark’s Gospel’s AuthorityRead next35Secular Challenges to Gospel AuthorityRead next
1The Relevance of Jesus’ Teachings TodayRead next2Jesus’ Example for Non-Religious BelieversRead next3The Gospel’s Authority vs Secular SourcesRead next4Diversity in Christian InterpretationsRead next5The Kingdom of God: Present and FutureRead next6The Kingdom of God as a CommunityRead next7Faith in St Mark’s GospelRead next8Jesus’ Teachings on FaithRead next9Jesus’ Attitudes to the MarginalisedRead next10Discipleship in St Mark’s GospelRead next11The Cost and Rewards of DiscipleshipRead next12Peter’s Denials and DiscipleshipRead next13The Commission and AscensionRead next14The Parable of the SowerRead next15The Parable of the Growing SeedRead next16The Parable of the Mustard SeedRead next17Jesus and the ChildrenRead next18The Rich Man and Eternal LifeRead next19The Greatest CommandmentRead next20The Man with LeprosyRead next21The Call of LeviRead next22The Syro-Phoenician Woman’s DaughterRead next23The Epileptic Boy’s HealingRead next24The Widow at the TreasuryRead next25The Anointing at BethanyRead next26The Call of the First DisciplesRead next27The Woman with a HaemorrhageRead next28The Mission of the TwelveRead next29The Importance of Set TextsRead next30Jesus’ Teachings for Early FollowersRead next31St Mark’s Gospel in Contemporary SocietyRead next32Non-Religious Beliefs in British SocietyRead next
1Alongside the importance of the sacramental nature of reality and…Read next
1All parts of the content are linked and students may draw ideas…Read next
1How the architecture, design and decoration of Catholic churches…Read next
1But thinkers such as Irenaeus and Anselm emphasise different aspects…Read next
1Students should study the beliefs, teachings and practices of Islam…Read next2Students should study the influence of the beliefs, teachings and…Read next3Common and divergent views within Islam in the way beliefs and…Read next4Students should know and understand that Islam is one of the…Read next5Students should study the beliefsRead next6Teachings and practices of Judaism specified below and their basis in…Read next7Part of the supporting material for this specification. These…Read next8Alternatives may be used, and questions will not be set on themRead next9Common and divergent views within Judaism in the way beliefs and…Read next10Students should know and understand that Judaism is one of the…Read next11Students should identify and explain two teachings common to…Read next12Students should identify beliefs about the Messiah as a topic on…Read next13The nature of God: God as one; God as Creator; God as Law-Giver and…Read next14The divine presence (Shekhinah)Read next15Beliefs about life after death, including judgement and resurrectionRead next16The nature and role of the Messiah, including different views on the…Read next17The promised land and the Covenant with Abraham, Genesis 12:1–3Read next18The Covenant at Sinai and its importance including the role of Moses…Read next19Key moral principles including justice, healing the world, charity…Read next20The importance of the sanctity of human life, including the concept…Read next21The relationship between free will and the 613 mitzvotRead next22Mitzvot between man and God, and mitzvot between man and man…Read next23The synagogue and its importanceRead next24The design and religious features of synagogues including reading…Read next25Public acts of worship including: synagogue services in both Orthodox…Read next26Shabbat in the home and synagogue and its significanceRead next27Worship in the home and private prayerRead next28The written law (Tenakh) and the oral law (Talmud), and their study…Read next29Rituals and their significance: ceremonies associated with birth…Read next30Dietary laws and their significance, including different Jewish views…Read next31Festivals and their importance for Jews in Great Britain today…Read next32The marriage ceremonyRead next33Mourning ritualsRead next
1Students must study two of the religious, philosophical and ethical…Read next2Students will be expected to show their understanding of religion…Read next3And questions may be set on these. Students may refer to any relevant…Read next
1Biblical and contemporary Catholic perspectives on terrorism as a…Read next2Catholic views on the use of tortureRead next3Catholic views about radicalisation and martyrdomRead next4Catholic perspectives on conflict resolution and peacemaking…Read next5Different perspectives, Christian and non-religious (such as atheist…Read next6The work of two Christian organisations active in conflict resolution…Read next
1Students should also consider how Christian and non-religious…Read next
1Similarities and differences within and/or between religions and…Read next2AO2: Analyse and evaluate aspects of religion and belief, including…Read next

Frequently Asked Questions

The course covers Catholic Christianity, Islam or Judaism, and two ethical or scriptural themes.

It is assessed through two written exams, each lasting 1 hour 45 minutes, covering knowledge, analysis, and evaluation.

The course is typically studied over two years as part of the GCSE curriculum.

To revise effectively for GCSE Religious Studies B, focus on understanding key beliefs, teachings, and practices. Use the specification as a checklist, practise exam questions, and ensure you can apply religious teachings to ethical and philosophical issues.